Some of those who modify their bodies in extreme ways by becoming heavily tattooed define themselves as neo- or modern primitives and identify with tribal tattooing practices. Neo-primitives define their movement in opposition to modern society and view body modification as a way of reconnecting to primal experiences. While the attoos worn by neo-primitives may be similar to those worn by others, many neo-primitives embrace tattoos and body modification as a spiritual experience and seek out modern primitive tattoo artists who take a ritualistic approach. Jamie Summers, a tattoo artist chronicled by Mifflin, sees tattooing as a “metamorphic rite.” Some neo-primitive tattoo artists arrange ceremonies to coincide with phases of the moon or include chanting, drumming, and burning of sage in their sessions. For many neo-primitives, the tattoo not only becomes a primary source of identity but also shapes a sense of group membership. Thus, rather than being antisocial, Victoria Pitts states that heavily tattooed people form bonds with others in the body modification subculture. The shared practice of using tattooing to “provoke disdain, accept risk and push the envelope of body aesthetics” creates strong group ties.
Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of working with many people to create meaningful, personal adornments that represent a variety of milestones within their life’s story.
Tattooings deepest roots are tapped into spirituality. There is a power in accepting the physical pain of a tattoo, as well as making a permanent alteration to your body. Tattoos are magic made into flesh, a lasting reminder of your life’s journey, and experiences. The process of receiving a tattoo can be transformative, leading to a deeper spiritual knowledge of the self, and bridging the space between mind, spirit and body.
For those clients that wish to bring a higher level of intention and spirituality into their tattoo experience, I am now offering intuitive/ceremonial tattoo sessions.
Each session will be personalized for the individual, no two sessions will be exactly the same.
tattooing as spiritual ceremony
Each session will include
A grounding exercise and guided meditation
Time to reflect and set intention
An intuitive tarot reading to bring insight to the experience
Conversation about your intentions, symbology, and placement
A collaborative design process
A tattoo applied with care and intention
Full aftercare and integration instructions
You will get time before tattoo application to review your design and make any small changes, trust is key in this process. If you already have a clear idea of what you expect your tattoo to be, this may not be the experience for you (but I am still happy to design a custom tattoo for you!)
There is no pressure to receive the tattoo that day, we can leave your deposit on file and complete the tattoo on another date if you need time for consideration. The tattoos completed during these sessions will be approximately hand sized, with some wiggle room in either direction. These tattoos can be symbolic, figurative or abstract, and include some color and shading. Placement can be chosen before the design process, so we can ensure the tattoo fits exactly where you like, or we may choose placement after design.
These sessions will take about 4-5 hours to complete, and will be booked on Sunday, when Sanctuary is closed to the public, to ensure we can connect intimately without interruption. These session will be deeply personal, so I encourage clients to come alone, though you may bring a single quiet, respectful guest to sit with you during the experience. Children and people under 18 are not permitted at Sanctuary Tattoo.
These sessions are priced at the flat rate of $450, and require a $100 deposit to book. Deposits are non refundable, but count toward the price of the session. Please read through my full deposit and cancellation policies before booking.